“We dyslexics look at life through a different set of eyes and achieve our goals by naturally reaching outside the box for our solutions. Ann Farris’ book, ‘The Other Side of Dyslexia’, offers us a unique glimpse into the positive and challenging experiences dyslexia brings us.”— Richard Branson: English entrepreneur, Founder of Virgin Enterprises and a Dyslexic

Welcome to Dyslexia Discovery

Dyslexia, hyperlexia and tools to improve these two conditions are outlined in this website.

My name is Ann Farris.

In my mid-forties I was diagnosed as “heavily dyslexic”. During my school years, my parents and teachers knew I had a reading problem. But, dyslexia was unknown to academics. They did not have any reading correction tools to help me.

Even as a youngster I knew I needed space, brain space, to learn. And, I found that space right in my home in the form of classical music!! I zoned out in those glorious sounds. That “space” relieved my stress. Did it cure my dyslexia? No. But it made me more willing to study. It is not surprising that I had a successful career as a manager and producer of classical music, mostly opera.

It wasn’t until I accepted a position in opera which required a great deal of reading that I ran into my reading block again. I thought the problem was psychological so I went to a psychiatrist. He guessed I was dyslexic. Testing confirmed his diagnosis. Finally, I knew what I had.

Then there was a set back. I discovered that symptoms typical of a dyslexic — inability to sound out words, read words and a poor vocabulary – were not my symptoms. In fact, I had mastered these tasks. To make matters worse I was told there were no tools to correct my type of dyslexia. Instead I was admonished: “Learn to live with your disability.”

That statement made me very angry. I vowed to find answers. I decided if classical music could help me, there must be other tools. When it was suggested I remove refined sugar from my diet, I decided there was no harm in trying. Much to my relief that single step reduced some of the confusion in my brain and stopped the inner rushing in my chest. Working with a therapist I discovered that anger and other emotions affected my ability to comprehend. I wrote a book, The Other Side of Dyslexia outlining my “outside the box” approaches and describing what it feels like to be dyslexic. As Paul Orfalea, Kinko’s founder and a dyslexic said: “This book will turn your preconceptions of dyslexia upside down. Try it all, you never know what will stick.”

Four years ago I got a more precise diagnosis. Yes, I have a little dyslexia, but my primary condition is hyperlexia. This article provides more details. The combination of my “outside the box” approaches and newly available correction techniques have transformed my situation substantially.

Enjoy exploring this website, and be sure to take a look at my blog! Over time it will describe the path I have taken along with other ideas.